Murder on Devil's Pond

A quaint Vermont inn offers idyllic peace-until a body is found*on the property-in this charming series debut, perfect for fans of Ellen Byron and Ellery Adams.

When thirty-three-year-old Hannah Solace returns to her hometown to renovate and reopen the inn she co-owns with her sister Reggie, her mission is to give the old Victorian hotel an entirely new life. She's even planting pollinator gardens around the inn-native flowers and fruit trees to lure honeybees and houseguests alike.*

Hannah's fresh start is stymied by Reggie's continual interference, unreliable contractors, a check-the-couch-for-coins budget, and townspeople Hannah left behind fifteen years ago. Her main source of camaraderie is Ezra Grayson, an eighty-year-old recluse who lives nearby. After an unsettling conversation with a disgruntled Ezra, Hannah is horrified to discover him dead on her property later that day.*

Ezra had always had plenty of people to complain about, especially locals trying to force him out of his property for its prime real estate. As buzz around town grows after his death, Hannah finds herself on the short list of suspects. Hannah starts digging and quickly discovers that secrets lurk beneath the charming surface of the town she once again calls home.

"1144459175"
Murder on Devil's Pond

A quaint Vermont inn offers idyllic peace-until a body is found*on the property-in this charming series debut, perfect for fans of Ellen Byron and Ellery Adams.

When thirty-three-year-old Hannah Solace returns to her hometown to renovate and reopen the inn she co-owns with her sister Reggie, her mission is to give the old Victorian hotel an entirely new life. She's even planting pollinator gardens around the inn-native flowers and fruit trees to lure honeybees and houseguests alike.*

Hannah's fresh start is stymied by Reggie's continual interference, unreliable contractors, a check-the-couch-for-coins budget, and townspeople Hannah left behind fifteen years ago. Her main source of camaraderie is Ezra Grayson, an eighty-year-old recluse who lives nearby. After an unsettling conversation with a disgruntled Ezra, Hannah is horrified to discover him dead on her property later that day.*

Ezra had always had plenty of people to complain about, especially locals trying to force him out of his property for its prime real estate. As buzz around town grows after his death, Hannah finds herself on the short list of suspects. Hannah starts digging and quickly discovers that secrets lurk beneath the charming surface of the town she once again calls home.

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Murder on Devil's Pond

Murder on Devil's Pond

by Ayla Rose

Narrated by Maria Ru-Djen

Unabridged — 9 hours, 53 minutes

Murder on Devil's Pond

Murder on Devil's Pond

by Ayla Rose

Narrated by Maria Ru-Djen

Unabridged — 9 hours, 53 minutes

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Overview

A quaint Vermont inn offers idyllic peace-until a body is found*on the property-in this charming series debut, perfect for fans of Ellen Byron and Ellery Adams.

When thirty-three-year-old Hannah Solace returns to her hometown to renovate and reopen the inn she co-owns with her sister Reggie, her mission is to give the old Victorian hotel an entirely new life. She's even planting pollinator gardens around the inn-native flowers and fruit trees to lure honeybees and houseguests alike.*

Hannah's fresh start is stymied by Reggie's continual interference, unreliable contractors, a check-the-couch-for-coins budget, and townspeople Hannah left behind fifteen years ago. Her main source of camaraderie is Ezra Grayson, an eighty-year-old recluse who lives nearby. After an unsettling conversation with a disgruntled Ezra, Hannah is horrified to discover him dead on her property later that day.*

Ezra had always had plenty of people to complain about, especially locals trying to force him out of his property for its prime real estate. As buzz around town grows after his death, Hannah finds herself on the short list of suspects. Hannah starts digging and quickly discovers that secrets lurk beneath the charming surface of the town she once again calls home.


Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Praise for Murder on Devil’s Pond:
“Past secrets and present problems combine in a character-driven cozy.”
Kirkus

“This new cozy series is sure to be appreciated by fans of Victoria Gilbert and Mary Daheim.”
Booklist

“The pacing is perfect, the sleuthing is practical, and the ensuing action keeps the pages flowing. Murder on Devil’s Pond is a winning debut that promises to have more murderous guests checking in at the Hummingbird Hollow B&B in the future.”
Fresh Fiction

“[I]ntriguing and suspenseful tale . . . I enjoyed this book and look forward to more adventures with Hannah and her friends.”
Dru’s Book Musings

“Ayla Rose has penned an enchanting first in series with tips for the garden, vivid imagery, a cozy New England setting, and likeable characters who will keep you coming back.”
—Kathi Daley, USA Today bestselling author

“In Murder on Devil's Pond, Ayla Rose has created a delightful blend of family drama, suspense, and community where old secrets bloom alongside the sweet scent of pollinator gardens. A must-read for anyone who loves a cozy mystery with a touch of botanical charm.”
—Jennie Marts, USA Today bestselling author of Take the Honey and Run

“Ayla Rose’s Murder on Devil’s Pond is a captivating start to a new mystery series. Featuring well-developed characters, an intriguing mystery, and a vivid evocation of its Vermont setting, this book captures the reader’s attention from page one. Highly recommended for those who enjoy books with sophisticated plotting, deep characterization, and immersive setting and atmosphere. Readers will be looking forward to the next book in the series as soon as they finish this one.”
—Victoria Gilbert, author of the Blue Ridge Library, Booklovers B&B, and Hunter and Clewe mystery series

“With an intriguing plot, plenty of town secrets, and greedy players fighting for an inheritance, Murder on Devil’s Pond delivers a mystery that's sure to please and entertain readers.”
—Bailee Abbott, author of the Paint by Murder mysteries

“I loved this beautifully-written, quintessentially New England story of the joys and challenges of family life, small-town living, and personal growth. Bonus, there’s a twisty murder that needs solving.”
—Barbara Ross, author of the Maine Clambake Mysteries

Kirkus Reviews

2024-05-17
The murder of an elderly gentleman causes a sensation in a little Vermont town.

Breaking free from a bad relationship, Hannah Solace returns to her hometown after her sister, Reggie, offers her a chance to run the inn she got in the nasty divorce from her husband, Chad, following his affair with her best friend. Hannah’s become friendly with 80-year-old Ezra Grayson, who, unable to recover from the death of his wife, lives in a decrepit house with his dog, Moose. His two nephews and a niece, who want him to sell the place and move to a retirement home, are all staying at the inn. In addition, several others in town are pushing him to sell his land. So when Hannah finds Ezra dead in Devil’s Pond, clearly having been murdered, there are plenty of suspects. She adopts Moose and can’t help but do a little investigating of her own. The three cousins are a lot less sad over their uncle’s death than Hannah is. Then Ezra’s lawyer gives Hannah some shocking news: Ezra’s left her everything he owns, both the property and a healthy bank account. The lawyer keeps the news quiet, but it makes Hannah a suspect in the eyes of the police and will certainly earn her the ire of his family. The solution to the mystery of Ezra’s death and the disposition of his estate may lie in an old relationship involving Ezra and Hannah’s father.

Past secrets and present problems combine in a character-driven cozy.

Product Details

BN ID: 2940192657294
Publisher: Dreamscape Media
Publication date: 07/09/2024
Edition description: Unabridged
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